TM 5-3895-358-14&P
Section I. INTRODUCTION
1-1. Description
a. This manual provides instructions of operation and service and lists repair parts for the Chausse Model
STMD-3000, asphalt de-drumming melter, manufactured by Chausse Manufacturing Co., Inc. The unit consists
of a dual de-drumming tunnel and a 3000 gallon capacity, heated storage tank. The tunnel is constructed to
handle a maximum of twelve, 55 gallon drum at one time, with a melting rate of 750 gallons per hour of 85-100
penetration asphalt cement. The melted asphalt cement can be maintained in the storage tank at pouring
temperature (235 F.), and transferred to bulk storage tanks or distributors by means of a separately supplied
asphalt pump. Figure 1-1, identifies major components and features of the melter in its basic operating
configuration.
b. The tunnel and storage tank are equipped with heat dissipating coiled piping, interconnected with
removable external piping and valves to permit control of heat transfer medium. A separately supplied heat
supply must provide 1,000,000 BTU per hour to the melter. Circulating hot oil is recommended as the most
efficient heat transfer medium. When oil is not available, hot water or steam can be substituted, but only when
proper safety devices are installed in the heat transfer piping system.
1-2. Tabulated Data
Mode..................................................................... STMD-3000
De-drumming Rate.................................................... 750 GPH
Tunnel Capacity .......................................... 12-55 Gal. Drums
Storage Tank Capacity .............................................3000 Gal.
Heat Requirement ......................................1,000,000 BTU/Hr.
Heat Transfer Piping .................................................... 2 inch.
Asphalt Piping .............................................................. 3 inch.
Shipping Dimensions:
Height ...................................................................... 73 inch.
Width ....................................................................... 79 inch.
Length.....................................................................209 inch.
Weight (Clean) .............................................. 10,500 pounds
Operating Dimensions:
Height (overall) .................................................145.75 inch.
Width ...................................................................... 91 inch.
Length ....................................................................227 inch.
Height (Drum loading platforms) .............................. 75 inch.
Weight (Clean)............................................... 10,500 pounds
1-3. Safety Precautions
a. When lifting unit in shipping configuration, do not use lifting eyes of tunnel. Attach lifting sling to eyes in
ends of skid rails and guide sling cables over the stand-off guard at front and rear of unit.
b. Do not operate unit without protective, insulated clothing, particularly gloves. Severe burns may result
from grabbing or leaning on piping or unit.
c. Do not operate unit in the rain. Operation of melter during rain may cause the asphalt to boil and catch
fire. After a rain or during humid conditions, open the tunnel doors and dry the unit before operating. Keep the
heat transfer piping system full to minimize condensation.
d. Keep an accurate record of the amount of asphalt that is de-drummed. Do not overfill the storage tank,
maximum capacity is 3000 gallon.
e. Allow unit to cool to ambient temperature before starting cleaning operations or dismantling of unit.
f. When using kerosene or diesel fuel as a cleaning solvent, no open flame should be within 50 feet of the
melter. Flash point of kerosene is 100-160 F., providing the potential of explosion of vapors.
1-1
